A large Roman cemetery containing more than 3,000 ancient graves has been discovered under the modern city. Archaeologists say that the site was used for more than 500 years and reveals new traces of centuries of history. They also found that it contains treasures such as jewelry, coins, and other artifacts.
In March 2026, it was reported that archaeologists had discovered a large Roman necropolis with more than 3,000 graves. Literally translated as “city of the dead,” the necropolis is what the Romans referred to as a large cemetery or burial site that had complex tombs and monuments.
The massive discovery was excavated under Zadar, in the Relja district in Croatia, beneath the former location of the Croatian Automobile Club. Reports say that the burial site is connected to the ancient Roman city of Jader. The fact that such a vast underground network of graves was found beneath a modern city is just as interesting as what researchers discovered within it.
The excavation, carried out by the University of Zadar, has led experts to some fascinating conclusions about the location of the cemetery. Archaeologists believe that it was used for about 500 years, from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD.
The long period of time during which the tomb was used does much more than merely increase the excitement of the discovery. In fact, it is revealing in itself. The fact that archaeologists concluded that it was used for hundreds of years shows continuity in the way burials were performed in a large Roman city.
In addition to the discovery of the necropolis itself, the excavation resulted in the finding of a range of treasures that had been left in the tombs. Some of the items left alongside the dead in the graves include ceramic and glass vessels, jewelry, coins, and oil lamps.
Objects were sometimes left in Roman tombs to help the dead. According to the Milwaukee Public Museum, the oil lamps found in the necropolis are a good example of this. Seen at other Roman burial sites, they were often intended to provide light for the deceased in the afterlife. ‘The lamps were often buried with the dead to illuminate the path in the hereafter and beyond.’
The material found at the burial site gave researchers some answers. Some of the artifacts come from different parts of the Mediterranean, revealing details about the trade networks of the ancient city of Jader. However, the most interesting part of the discovery may be the questions that remain open. Perhaps the best example of this is that archaeologists are still wondering how large the necropolis actually is. Even as excavation continues, it is emphasized that it is still likely that more parts of the burial site will be unearthed.
